2008 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Diesel · CE03 ALF
2008 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01/01/2008. Recorded mileage 185,246 miles. MOT valid until 17/01/2027. Taxed until 01/12/2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Cardiff
- MOT Status
- Valid until 17/01/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/12/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 185,246 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2008
- Engine
- 1995cc
CE03 ALF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/01/2026
- 185,246 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (13 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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CE03 ALF Mileage History
- 13/01/2023155,900 mi
- 13/01/2023155,900 mi
- 13/01/2024166,554 mi+10,654 mi
- 18/01/2025174,212 mi+7,658 mi
- 14/01/2026185,246 mi+11,034 mi
Average of roughly 9,769 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
CE03 ALF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 BMW 3 Series (CE03 ALF) between January 2023 and January 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 14 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (13 issues), Tyres (7 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 27 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”; “Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with significant caution. While
Given the high mileage and the recurring nature of the MOT advisories, you should negotiate the price downwards to account for potential near-term maintenance. Prioritise checking the service history to see if the recurring issues, such as the track rod end play and brake hose deterioration, have been properly addressed or merely patched up to pass the MOT.
Specifically, ask for evidence of work done on the braking system and suspension. Because the 2026 MOT still flagged deteriorating brake hoses and shock absorber misting, you should budget for these components to require replacement shortly after purchase. Ensure the parking brake issue noted in the 2023 failure has been fully rectified and is not a recurring fault.
As a 2.0L diesel, this BMW 3 Series is likely to offer decent fuel economy on long motorway journeys, though high mileage can impact efficiency if maintenance is deferred. Tax and insurance groups for this era of 3 Series vary, but expect mid-range costs typical for a premium German saloon.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the age and mileage. The MOT history suggests frequent needs for tyres, brake components, and suspension parts like shock absorbers and track rod ends. Expect an annual running cost that includes regular servicing and a contingency fund for wear-and-tear items.
Focus heavily on the suspension and braking systems. The MOT records consistently show 'slight play' in the offside front track rod end and 'light misting of oil' on the offside front shock absorbers across multiple years. You must inspect these components to see if the condition is worsening.
Additionally, inspect the condition of all brake hoses, as 'slightly deteriorated' hoses have appeared on almost every MOT since 2023. Check the tyres thoroughly, as the vehicle has a history of being presented with tyres worn close to the legal limit or with sidewall cuts. Finally, verify the operation of the parking brake to ensure the 2023 failure was adequately repaired.
This 2008 BMW 3 Series diesel has covered 185,246 miles as of January 2026, which is significantly higher than the model average of 7,258 miles per year. The MOT history shows a pattern of repeated issues, particularly regarding brake hoses, track rod ends, and tyres. A failure in early 2023 involving the parking brake and exhaust adds to the complexity of its recent history.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 80.3% MOT pass rate, with common failure points including tyres, shock absorbers, and drive shaft joints.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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